CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE FOR

NATURAL PLAYING FIELDS - FOOTBALL

PITCHES

Playing Fields Divisions: PF

By: Dr. Haider Khazal

Basrah University / 2016
Contents:
Introduction
Standards of Relevant Facility
Playing Area
Natural Grass Playing Fields
Main Climate Regions
Pitch Construction
Typical problems on football pitches
Maintenance
Equipments List
Using Restrictions
Similar Work for Anwar Soura Co.
 Introduction
The first great age of football stadium construction was between the 1890
and the 1930, when football grew into a mass spectator sport in many parts
of the world. Some of those early stadiums, now more than a century old,
are still in operation.

The second great age of stadium design arguably began in the late 1980s,
as the realization dawned on the football world that many old stadiums
were simply unfit for use.

Unfortunately, a key factor in that waking-up process was a series of

appalling tragedies which resulted in the deaths of many football
supporters .

Less than 20 years later, football supporters have evolved from simply
being loyal followers into demanding customers, with high expectations of
a visit to a stadium. They expect to find their seat easily, to watch the game
in comfort, to be able to enjoy some refreshments at half time and to visit
the toilet without an ordeal. Football fans of the future are likely to be even
more demanding. Stadium owners, developers and architects have been
responding to the challenge, creating stadiums that go beyond meeting
supporters needs: they have built stadiums whose breathtaking design has
made them a source of pride for local communities or even whole cities.
Where this has happened, many fans who were lost to the game have
returned and many new supporters including an increasing number of
women and children have been persuaded to give it a try. But much more
work needs to be done .
Old stadiums (samples)
New stadiums (samples)
 Standards of Relevant Facility
Important decisions to construct certain stadiums need to be made in
advance regarding the location, capacity, design and environmental impact
of a stadium to ensure that the facility continues to meet the demands of a
rapidly changing market that coincide with the relevant standards:
 Playing Area
The playing area is the focal point for players, officials, spectators and
television audiences. Fundamental decisions must be made about the
playing area, from the type of pitch to install to the best way of ensuring
that players can perform without disruption from spectators. The
dimensions of PF according to the last version of FIFA STRR:

For all matches at the top professional level and where major international
and domestic games are played, the playing field should have dimensions
of 105m x 68m. These dimensions are obligatory for the FIFA World
Cup and the final competitions in the confederations championships.
The playing field should have the precise markings illustrated. Other
matches can be played on a playing field with different dimensions and the
Laws of the Game stipulate the maximum and minimum dimensions.
However it is strongly recommended that new stadiums have 105m x 68m
playing-field.
Auxiliary area:

In this area, a minimum of 5m on the sides or touch lines and 5m behind

the goal lines, reducing at an angle to 3m near the corner flags (see diagram
below), must be of the same surface material as the playing field (grass or
artificial turf).

For training filed, the dimension of grass area must be: length: 125m,
width: 85m.
 Natural Grass Playing Fields
Football has traditionally been played on natural grass, which has a series
of needs, as it is a living plant and changes with the seasons.Climatic
conditions also vary in different parts of the world. For example, there are
some environments in which grass grows all year round and others in
which the seasons affect its condition. Natural grass requires light and
nutrients; it must be tended and maintained and it also needs time.
Particularly in stadiums, todays playing surfaces are no longer sown but
are laid with instant turf. Although this saves time, the needs of the grass
remain the same.

Natural grass also struggles with modern stadium architecture, which

deprives it of light and air. The grass also has to contend with the other
purposes for which the stadium is used. With natural grass, the laws of
nature cannot be circumvented. Sports turf is now extensively cultivated
and delivered as rolled or flat sod. The transplanted turf must be compatible
with the substrate and the growth time must be monitored. The grass is
susceptible to disease, wear and tear and regeneration times. Having
qualified staff to take care of the grass is therefore of great importance,
otherwise nature will take its own course.

The choice of seed of grass or seedling for the natural turf depends to a
large degree on the location.
 Main Climate Regions
The nine climate zones featured in this guide are as follows:

Cool, maritime

Temperate, maritime

Cool, continental

Mediterranean type, dry summer subtropical

Continental, transition

Subtropical

Tropical, high rainfall

Tropical, seasonal rainfall

Tropical, semi-arid or arid

The map in Figure below shows the locations of the main climate zones. It
is important to note, however, that additional factors may inuence the
grasses that should be selected as well as construction and management
issues. In particular, the map has been simplied in terms of mountainous
areas where temperatures are generally lower and rainfall often higher.
Accordingly, it may be necessary to look at more than one of the guideline
sections to determine which is most suited to a specic area.
The quality of the pitch depends largely on the resources that are available
for both construction and maintenance. Two different grades of playing
surface are included:

So, for grass selection, we have (ref: page 19, guide for natural pitches
FIFA):

Cool-season grasses are adapted, as the name suggests, to the cooler

climate regions and examples that are regularly used on football pitches
include perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), smooth-stalked meadow-
grass/Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and tall fescue (Festuca
arundinacea).
 Warm-season grasses are adapted to tropical areas and examples include
bermudagrass (Cynodon species), zoysia species (mainly Zoysia japonica
and Zoysia matrella) and seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum).
 Pitch Construction
A poorly constructed pitch will reduce the number of games that can
potentially be played, can be expensive to maintain and will affect the
quality of play.

A poorly constructed pitch will increase the risk of match cancellation

in adverse weather.

It is important that the pitch is constructed to an appropriate standard for

the intended level of play.

1- Basic pipe drainage:

Trenches are excavated typically to a depth of around 600mm, but may

vary in depth depending on site circumstances. A pipe is placed in the
trench base and the trench is backlled with gravel or other suitable
aggregate before being capped off with sand and a suitable rootzone mix.
 2- Sand-dominated rootzone over a gravel drainage layer

This approach is often used when good drainage is essential, but can also
be useful in dry climates as water tends to be held in the rootzone layer and
does not move down into the gravel unless there is either heavy rainfall or
excessive irrigation. The selection of the materials used in the different
layers is critical to the success of this type of construction.

The most important aspects of construction planning include:

Determination of soil characteristics of both the topsoil and the

underlying layers, although for many higher-grade pitches new drainage
and rootzone materials are brought to the site.

Assessments are needed to determine whether underlying stone and rock

may be important factors in uencing pitch design.

Contours of the site should be assessed to determine whether signi cant

adjustment of surface levels will be required.
 Assessment of a suitable outfall for drainage: a ditch, stream or access to
the public drainage system will need to be used as an outfall for pitch
drainage (for many new facilities, planning consents may be required).

The presence of existing services on the site needs to be identi ed, which
will include electricity and water supply for irrigation but also the location
of existing pipework that needs to be avoided during any construction or
drainage work.

Pitch layout in relation to surrounding features and correct alignment of

the pitch is needed to reduce problems of low sun angles, particularly in
the evening.

Expected levels of usage in terms of hours of use for matches and training
sessions and the required standard of the facility in relation to the type of
teams using the pitch must be understood.

The potential budget that is available for pitch construction.

Timelines for construction or drainage work, determination of the length

of the grass establishment period and the time before the facility is likely
to be available for use.

Resources in terms of staff and equipment available to maintain the

facility.

On many sites, surface levels may not be suitable for good-quality football
pitches. Minor adjustments of up to +/- 50mm may be achieved by
cultivation and grading, but larger changes in levels need to be addressed
by removal of the topsoil and re-levelling of the base using the cut and ll
method before the topsoil is returned.
 Typical problems on football pitches
 Maintenance
There are a number of essential operations that need to be carried out on a
pitch to maintain the quality of the grass surface and to ensure that the
underlying soil or root-zone material will support root development and
give a well-drained and stable playing surface.

1- Mowing

The purpose and advantages of mowing are: (1) to ensure that the grass is
at a suitable height for matches; (2) regular cutting improves the density of
the grass sward; (3) the mowing lines are important in the presentation of
pitches; and (4) mowers can also be used to lift surface debris resulting
from games.

Equipment

A wide range of equipment is available. The main categories are based on

these methods of cutting: (1) cylinder mowers cut the grass using a rotating
reel of sharpened blades cutting against a xed bottom blade; (2) rotary
mowers use a rotating horizontal blade; and (3) ail mowers cut the grass
through the vertical rotation of splayed blades.
2- Fertiliser application
Purpose : Fertilizer is applied in order to: (1) provide a range of essential
nutrients that support growth, thus giving a strong, wear-resistant sward,
and to help recovery after damage; (2) improve the color of the grass as
this can be an important element of pitch presentation.

3- Irrigation
Purpose :Irrigation is required: (1) to provide the grass plant with water to
support growth; (2) to reduce the hardness or rmness of the surface layer;
(3) to improve the stability of sand-dominated rootzones which may
become too loose if allowed to dry out; (4) to inuence the speed of the
ball over the playing surface; (5) to water in chemicals and other materials
applied to the pitch; and (6) irrigation may be needed in arid areas to wash
excess salts out of the soil.
4- Sand application and top dressing

Purpose: Sand and top dressing is applied to pitches to: (1) improve surface
levels; (2) dilute ne mineral and organic matter that accumulates at the
surface of the pitch; (3) help drainage; (4) provide a rmer playing surface;
and (5) stabilise channels created by aeration work.

5- Scarication/verticutting

Purpose : The scari cation process is needed to: (1) remove excess organic
matter from the sward to improve growth; (2) cut any lateral or creeping
grass growth for a denser, stronger sward; (3) improve the rmness and
traction properties of the grass; and (4) open up the surface or weaken
unwanted, coarser grasses before overseeding.
6- Brushing and removal of surface debris

Purpose: Pitches are brushed to: (1) remove grass cuttings and other debris
from the playing surface; (2) stand the grass up after matches to give better
growing conditions and reduce the risk, for example, of algae forming on
the surface; (3) ensure that the grass is upright, allowing more uniform and
effective cutting; (4) spread or work sand and top dressing into the surface;
and (5) disperse dew that may form on the pitch.

7- Aeration

Purpose: Aeration is required to: (1) create a network of holes in the surface
of the pitch to improve water inltration and air exchange; (2) relieve
compaction in the soil, promoting better root development; (3) remove
ne material from the surface layer and create holes within the pitch that can
be stabilised by sandy materials; (4) control thatch; and (5) modify the
rmness characteristics of the playing surface.
8- Weeds, diseases and pests

Control requirements :Most areas of turf can be subject to invasion by

weeds and to damage by disease or pests. The selection of the correct
grasses and good management practices can help to minimise problems
with weeds, disease and pests. Hand-weeding can be used to remove some
weed types but is not effective against all weeds, especially those with
underground plant material (e.g. roots or tubers). Materials and equipment

Where treatment becomes necessary, the problem must rst be correctly

identi ed and an appropriate herbicide, fungicide or pesticide must then
be used. It is essential to note that there are strict regulations concerning
the use of herbicides, fungicides and pesticides on turf and all relevant
legislation covering the materials used and the method of application must
be complied with at all times. The application rate used is very important
and therefore most plant protection products should be applied with a
properly calibrated sprayer.
 BSC Equipment Consignment 1
Picture No. Description Function Qty delivered Comments
VICON PS503 FERTILIZER SPREADER Fits behind the tractor and spreads 1
fertilizer evenly on the grass.

4 TON TRAILER -FLEMING T4 Multi-purpose trailer to transport 1

material for grass maintenance.

ISEKI TG5470 FH TRACTOR fitted with These 3 items used to get the specified 1 Service Parts included.
Laser Leveller. slope onto gravel and root zone sand
surfaces.

*
RAYCAM DRAGMAT Used to flatten and evenly distribute 1 1.8mX1.2m
topdressing on the grass.

*
MURATORI MZ6 -165 ROTAVATOR 1 Spare blades incl.

5
 BSC Equipment Consignment 2
Picture No. Description Function Qty delivered. Comments
Multi purpose tractor. 1

c/w bars and weights + service

1 ISEKI TRACTOR TG5470
parts kit.

*
Fast transportation and application of 1
topdressing onto the grass.

2 DAKOTA 412 TOPDRESSER

*
PEDESTRIAN SPEADER Manual application of fertilizer onto grass. 1

LANDQUIP 600Ltr SPRAYER Used to spray insecticide and also liquid 1 c/w service parts.
fertilizer applications onto the grass.

*
Imants penetrometer Measures the compaction strength of soil and 1
turf.

BERNHARD EXPRESS DUAL Used for reel grinding - making the blades 1
3000MC sharper.

BERHARD 1000 ANGLE MASTER Used with the Dual 3000MC for reel blade 1
sharpening.

*
DENNIS BRUSH CASSETTE Used for debris and moss removal.

8
 DENNIS VERTICUT CASSETTE Controls thickness of thatch by cutting it.

Lawn mower.

10 DENNIS G860 CYLINDER MOWER

FLEMING TRACTOR MOUNTED Used for compaction of soil and turf.

ROLLER

11

*
 BSC Equipment Consignment 3
Picture No. Description Function Qty Delivered Comments
IMANTS ROTOSWEEP Grass Scarifier function and removal of 1 fitted with Rhea scarifying head &
surface debris with aid of dual brush accessories.
system.

*
CHARTERHOUSE VERTICORE 1700 Deals with problems of excessive thatch 1 c/w tines
or surface compaction. The hollow tining
opens up the thatch layer to allow free
movement of air and water.

*
ECHO B500 BACKPACKER BLOWERS Used to blow away leaves and rubbish off 2 2 units.
pitch.

3
 ECHO SRM 300 28cc STRIMMERS Strim grass where the reelmaster cant get 2 2 units.
too.

DENNIS G860 CYLINDER MOWER Cuts the grass. c/w 8 blade cylinder and accessories.

RYAN Jr SOD CUTTER Cuts out turf in sods. 1 c/w 6.5 hp petrol engine with spare
cutting blade.

FLEET LINE KOMBI MARKER Used for white line marking of the 1
Football pitch.

FLEET LINE MARKING MATERIAL Paint used for the football Pitch white 1 Super C(700Ltr IBC)
lines.

ISEKI TG5470 TRACTOR Used for loading and transporting 1 c/w Lewis 38 Loader & 1.5m bucket +
Topdressing sand or any other organic service kit.
material required for the Turf
maintenance.

*
 BSC Equipment Consignment 4
Picture No. Description Function Comments
Harvester

Push machine

2
 Lay machine

Tractor

4
 Tractor mounted spreader

5
 BSC Misc Equipment
Picture No. Description Function Qty Delivered. Comments
Reelmaster 3100-D Grass cutting machine 2
which is driven by an
operater.

Big Spike Roller

Small Spike Roller

Small Flat Roler

4
 Using Restrictions

Usage levels are very dependent on the quality of the construction, the
grass species being used and the standard of maintenance. The amount of
use that a pitch can receive will also vary at different times of the year
depending on temperatures, rainfall and growth rates of the grass.

When growth is poor, usage levels of only two to three hours per week
may be possible, particularly if soil properties are unfavourable. On the
other hand, in good growing conditions with a well-constructed pitch, it
may be possible to sustain usage levels of ten hours per week and
sometimes more.

Sustainable levels are very much inuenced by the quality of the pitch
that is required and it is essential to recognize that excessive levels of use
will both increase maintenance demands and reduce the quality of the
playing surface.

On training pitches and some recreational facilities, it may be possible to

use portable goals and mini-pitches at right angles to the normal direction
of play to spread the wear across the pitch and to avoid a concentration of
wear within the main goal areas.

In stadium environments, the effects of shade and reduced air circulation

can have a major effect on sustainable usage levels. In such environments,
the use of growth lights can increase the level of use that can be sustained
as well as the quality of the pitch.
 It is important that there is a policy for determining when play can take
place under adverse weather conditions. For example, there can be severe
damage if a pitch is used when it is badly waterlogged or when it is frozen,
particularly after partial thawing which leaves the surface soft but the
underlying layer is frozen. If matches are played when pitch conditions are
very poor, this can lead to damage which will affect the pitch for the
remainder of the playing season.

When planning the programmer of use for a pitch, it is important to make

sufcient time available for essential maintenance operations. Some
maintenance operations are best spread across two to three days to allow,
for example, recovery from aeration and scarication, to give time for
fertilizer to be washed in after application and to allow recovery after
seeding. There must also be sufcient gaps within the programme of use to
allow more intensive maintenance operations to be carried out.
 Similar Work for Anwar Soura Co
References:
Manager guides for pitches FIFA 2012
Standard TRR for Staduims FIFA 2014